The red fox was listed as threatened in California in 1980. Scientists studying the animal had not been able to capture a red fox in a decade.

The Sacramento Bee reports Thursday that a nearly nine-pound female walked into a trap Tuesday near Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. A 10-pound male was captured February 13 just outside the park.

Scientists with the Department of Fish and Wildlife say they took blood samples and put tracking collars on the animals.

Electronic tracking will allow biologists to know more about the size the elusive red fox's home range and hopefully learn more about its den sites and reproductive rates.